Coaster wagon



Sept. 10, 1935.

COASTER WAG-ON Filed Dec. 19, 1954 O. C. ALBRECHT 2 Sheets-Sheet i I nventm' Sept. 10, 1935. 0 Q ALBRECHT 2,014,060

COASTER WAG ON Filed Dec. 19, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 A. x S J N Inventor Patented Sept. 10, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ooas'rsa WAGON om: Christian Albrecht, murmurs, Wis. Application December 10, 034, Serlal No. 758,299 2 Claims. (01. 200-124) This invention relates to the broad classification embodying play things in general and has more specific reference to so-called coaster wagons and similar toy vehicles and conveyances of the type generally employed by children.

The principal novelty is exemplified in the novel wheel ensemble and unique mounting means therefor. More specifically stated, however, I have evolved and produced a simple and economical wheel arrangement embodying a knee-action principle, whereby to provide a coaster wagon having yieldable smooth riding properties similar to those found in present day automobiles equipped with so-called knee action wheels.

In keeping with the inventive conception, I

have developed a special light weight, yet dur-- able selection and coordination of features wherein each wheel is individually and swingably mounted in such a manner as to compensate for irregularities in the surface traversed so as to provide a high speed, easy riding coaster wagon possessed of greater traction and relieving the rider of needles shock and jar.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is pictorially illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a bottom plan view of a toy coaster wagon or equivalent vehicle equipped with my invention.

Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view showing in detailed elevation the individual spring adaptation and wheel mounting means.

Figure 3 is a rear end elevation of the wagon.

Figure 4 is a detail perspective view of one of the arched attaching frames.

Referring now to'the drawings by distinguishing reference numerals it will be observed that the body of the coaster wagon, which isconventional, is denoted by the numeral 5. The front wheels are indicated at 8 and the rear wheels at 1. It is to be observed however, that the wheel assemblies at the front and rear are virtually the same except that the front structure is swivelly mounted for steering purposes. Oras stated otherwise, each wheel assemblage comprises a substantially U-shaped arch or frame 8 of the type illustrated in Figure 4. The depending end portions 9 may be described as arms and the lower end portions thereof are of forked construction. This is accomplished by simply attaching outside clips or cleats I to the lower end portion through the instrumentality of bolts and the spacing members II. This arrangement serves to accommodate the fulcrum bolt I! which bolt may also be utilized to hold in place the down-tumed ends of the horizontal cross-brace l3. As before pointed out, each wheel is individually mounted and the means for accomplishing this is the same in each instance and a description of one arrangement will sumce for all. To begin with, I call attention to the rocker arm M which is slightly bowed in a longitudinal direction. The outer end portion I5 carries an axle It to accommodate the adjacent wheel. At this end there is 10 an equalizing light weight coiled spring IT. This spring is anchored at its lower end on the outward extension l5 at a point a jacent the axle. The upper end of the spring is attached to an anchoring bar l8 rigidly fastened to the adjacent arm of the arch just below the bottom of the body of the wagon. The main resisting or knee action spring is indicated at I! and this is quite heavy in comparison to the spring l1. One end, that is the lower end, is attached to the inner extension 20 of the rocker arm and the upper end is attached to the aforementioned hanger or anchoring bar l8. Obviously, the rocker arm, as a unit, is fulcrumed or pivoted intermediate its ends on the bolt I 2. Both of the springs are of the coiled contraction type and cooperate in companionate relationship, the spring l9 allowing the wheel to fly bodily up toward the body of the wagon when obstruction is encountered and the spring I 1 being more in the nature of a fiat takeup spring to prevent the outer end extension l5 from dropping down too far when the wagon is bodily lifted or carried about from place to place. It is evident however, that this double acting arrangement is such that the springs provide their requisite or proportionate share to operate efliciently in conjunction with the rocker arm and other features to allow the elastic compensating knee action of the wheel. It is evident, therefore, that these parts have been carefully selected and properly matched and coordinated to provide the desired continuity and completeness of action. The result is that all of the wheels on the wagon have individual compensating or accommodating facilities making it possible to provide the desired simple, economical knee action principle for coaster wagons and analogous toys such as scooters, tricycles or even a baby carriage. It would seem therefore, that an invention of this type as applied to play things is a revelation, if not an innovation and that it is something which is practical and susceptible of unqualified endorsement by the trade. I shall not, however, delve into other commercial phases of the invention since, after all, it is theparticular arched frame construction and double acting spring and rocker arm means that constitute the specific invention here offered as an appreciable contribution to the art.

It might be mentioned that the rear frame is rigidly bolted or attached to the corresponding end portion of the bodywhile the central portion of the front frame is pivotally attached as at 22 and the arrangement includes a wear disk or plate 23. This provides the desired steerable mounting for the front frame. This is of no consequence in so far as it relates to the novelty of'the claims.-

It is thought that persons skilled'in the art to which the invention relates will be able to obtain a clear understanding of the invention after considering the description in connection with the drawings. Therefore, a more lengthy description is regarded as unnecessary.

Minor changes in shape, size and rearrangement of details coming within the field of invention claimed may be resorted to in actual practice, if desired.

What I claim as new is:

1. A vehicle of the class described comprising a body, inverted yokes depending from the body each providing a pair of spaced depending limbs, the lower ends of which are forked, an arcuate shaped rocker arm passing through each fork the concave edge uppermost, a brace bar extending between the lower ends of each pair of limbs, a bolt passing through ends of the brace bar, through the prongs of the fork to an intermediate part of the rocker arm pivoting the arm in the fork, a horizontal arm connected to the upper portion of each limb, a wheel carrying spindle at one end of each rocker arm, a heavy spring at one end connected with the other end of the rocker arm and its other end connected to the adjacent end of the horizontal arm and a light spring connecting the other end of each rocker arm with the other end of the horizontal arm.

2. In a vehicle a depending part, an arcuate shaped rocker arm pivoted intermediate its ends to the lower end of said depending part, the concave edge of the arm uppermost, a cross piece connected to the upper part of the depending portion, a wheel carrying spindle at one end of 20 the rocker arm, a heavy spring having one end connected with the opposite end of the rocker arm and its other end connected to the adjacent end of the cross piece and a light spring connecting the opposite end of the cross piece to the other end or spindle carrying end of the rocker arm.

OSCAR CHRISTIAN ALBRECHT. 

